Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman; Richard Martin; Robert West; Karen Cavotta; Robert DeMarco; Georgeanna Lussier STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning & Economic Development CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steve Rowland, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. #2013.040 SILVER BREEZE SIGN, 516 Broadway, Historic Review of wall signage within the Transect-6 District. Applicant: Karley Hoffman, owner. Agent: Neil Hepner, Signworks Neoncorp. SEQRA: This action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. This project entails the placement of 2 wall signs. A wall sign is permitted on each street frontage. Proposed signage conforms to City sign requirements. Letters are painted metallic silver mounted to matte black aluminum backer. External illumination will be white LEDs in top lighting channel. Signs will be anchored to mortar joints so as not to damage brick or stone. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert DeMarco made a motion in the matter of the Silver Breeze Sign, 516 Broadway, that the application be approved with the following conditions: fasteners to be installed in mortar, not brick; Ellsworth Jones Place façade sign to align with adjacent window transom bldg. feature and to have green frame to match adjacent muntin color; power to be accessed through muntin, not brick and to be painted so as not to be readily visible. Robert West seconded the motion Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 2. # 2013.028 SWIATEK/LEAFARC, INC. SIGNAGE, 63 Spring Street, request for advisory opinion from ZBA on relief for  Signage in the Transect-5 District (Historic Review). Applicant: Anthony Swiateck Agent: Daniel Roicki, Adirondack Sign Company SEQRA: Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Mr. Roicki stated this project entails the approval of 3 wall signs already placed on the building. Signs were originally placed by an unlicensed entity. When this was brought to the applicant’s attention, Mr. Swiatek took appropriate steps to receive required approvals. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated two wall signs are permitted as property has 2 street frontages (including rear alley). The 3rd sign has been interpreted as a “building identification sign” but requires relief from Zoning Board as a building ID sign must be incorporated into the façade of the bldg. and cannot identify a tenant. Discussion ensued among the Board regarding the signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Advisory Opinion on the application of the Swiatek/Leafarc, Inc., Signage, 63 Spring Street to issue a positive Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the following considerations: the subject sign is not on the primary, most southern projecting portion of the façade, and the subject sign is not lighted, and the subject sign does not exceed other City sign standards, and the subject sign is temporary and can be removed. Therefore, the Commission finds that this sign, as erected, is not substantially in contradiction to the objectives of the City’s Historic Review legislation and issues a favorable advisory opinion. Should the ZBA grant the requested relief, the Commission authorizes the applicant to seek final DRC approval via administrative action by the Chair so long as the proposed sign has not changed from that reviewed by the Commission as part of this advisory opinion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 3. #2013.038 GRANT RESIDENCE REAR ADDITION, FRONT PORCH, 149 Spring Street, Historic Review of rear addition and front porch to existing single family residence within the Urbvan Residential-3 District. Applicant: Jamie Bray & Owen Grant, homeowners. Agent: John Muse, Muse Architects. RECUSAL: Robert West recused himself from this application. SEQRA : Action is a Type II action; a SEQR determination of significance is not required. Mr. Muse stated this is a very small home. The applicants are requesting a front porch and rear addition to this property. The existing front porch is not original to the building and appears to have been added in the 1920's. This property is a listed “contributing” property on the National Register of Historic Places. The applicant is trying to keep the mass and scale appropriate to the neighborhood and not to overwhelm the house. The addition of 2 windows and a change in the light fixture differs from what was originally submitted. The Saratoga Preservation Foundation weighed in on the application City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 2 of 8 favorably. Materials and details will be similar to, or complement, the primary structure. Use of a new siding product called smart siding will be used for the siding product. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Grant Residence Rear Addition, Front Porch on 149 Spring Street that the application be approved as submitted with the following conditions: applicant is authorized for siding as submitted or “Smart siding” as discussed; revision to light fixture and addition of 2 windows approved; applicant to submit record set for file. Robert DeMarco seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there is any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, recused; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0-1 Robert West resumed his position on the Board. 4. #2013.080 DANDOLPH HOUSE, 589 North Broadway, Historic Review of final details for new single family residence in the Urban Residential-1 District. Applicant: John Hyun Dandolph. Agent: Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture LLC SEQRA : This is a listed Type II action requiring no additional SEQRA review. PARCEL HISTORY: - Project entails the construction of a new single family house on a previously vacant lot on the west side of North Broadway. - On November 7, 2012, the DRC issued a partial approval for mass and scale and authorized the applicant to seek a building permit. Ms. Davis stated she has submitted additional details on the front entry elevation, shingle siding trim details, roof overhang and bracket details, garage door cut sheet, window cut sheets and cladding color, as well as samples of exterior color palette. Examples of exterior stone, exterior wall shingles/siding, roof shingles, metal roof and exterior window literature was provided to the Board. There have been no major changes to the proposed structure since partial approval. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the application of the Dandolph House, 589 North Broadway that we approve this application as submitted. Applicant is authorized for option of zinc-coated material for ‘eyebrow’, if desired. Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 5. #2013.042 MCCARTHY/SANCHEZ RESIDENCE FAÇADE & PORCH RENOVATION, 88 Union Avenue, Historic City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 3 of 8  Review of window replacement, façade and porch renovation in the Urban Residential-4 District. Applicant: Kathleen McCarthy, Matt Sanchez RECUSED: Richard Martin recused himself from this application. SEQRA: This is a listed Type II action requiring no additional SEQRA review. Mr. Sanchez stated this project involves the in-kind repair and replacement of front and side porch elements (flooring, columns/bases, lattice, etc.); removal and replacement of windows maintaining original glass pane pattern; removal and replacement of siding with concrete board maintaining original horizontal exposure; front door refinishing. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Robert West made a motion in the matter of the McCarthy-Sanchez Residence Façade and Porch Renovation, 88 Union Avenue, be approved with the following conditions: Andersen 2/2 composite replacement windows approved; balance of repair/replacement is approved so long as materials are replaced in-kind. Applicant to submit final porch and roof materials for administrative review by Chair to ensure replacement in-kind. Georgeanna Lussier seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, recused; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0-1 Richard Martin resumed his position on the Board. 6. #2013.043 ADELPHI HOTEL RENOVATION, 365 Broadway, Historic Review of removal of rear "shed" structure leading to full renovation of Hotel within the Transect-6 District Applicant: Adelphi Hotel Partners LLC Agent: Jeff Ward RBC Construction; Dominick Ranieri, dra PC SEQRA: This is a listed Type II action requiring no additional SEQRA review. Mr. Ranieri stated the applicant is seeking approval to demolish the rear portion of structure to enable asbestos clearance and to prep for full rehabilitation of structure. Applicant has provided drawings of proposed construction and will reappear before the DRC for final approval of details in future. This property is a listed “contributing” property on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The rear addition appears to have been built in stages sometime after 1976. Mr. Ranieri provided the Board with a visual presentation of the proposed project. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Karen Cavotta made a motion in the matter of the Adelphi Hotel Rear Shed Removal, 365 Broadway that the application be approved as submitted on the attached plan with the following note: Approval is for demolition of the rear shed structure only. Applicant to return for review of all new construction. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 4 of 8 MOTION PASSES: 7-0 7. #2013.015.1 THE RIP VAN DAM HOTEL, consideration of SEQR Lead Agent status for coordinated review of a new 6 story, 180 room hotel within the Transect -6 District. Applicant: Presidian Saratoga Hospitaility Group LLC Agent: Corrina Green, Powers Brown Architecture; Drake Letty, Developer SEQRA: Action is a Type I action requiring coordinated review among “involved” agencies (Planning Board, DRC) and a SEQR determination of significance. Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development stated the DRC must decide whether it wishes to assume Lead Agency status for the SEQRA review or defer to the Planning Board. Bradley Birge gave a brief background of the project. Applicant appeared before a joint mtg. of the Planning Board and DRC on Feb. 13, 2013 for sketch discussion of the project. Newly submitted renderings present essentially the same mass and scale but a variety of building and façade features have changed from what was presented on 2/13/13. The placement and orientation of new buildings should be consistent with neighboring buildings. Maintaining a consistent streetscape and façade setback is recommended. A visual presentation was provided to the Board by Corrina Green, reviewing the architectural and design considerations. Scale of the proposed structure in relationship of the building and its architectural elements to neighboring structures and community character. Proposed materials were also supplied to the Board. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the Saratoga Preservation Foundation is in favor of this project. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak regarding this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to defer SEQRA Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 8. #2013.003.1 OMNI HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, 2 West Avenue, consideration of SEQR Lead Agent status for coordinated review of a new mixed-use senior housing development within the Transect-5 District (Architectural Review). Applicant: Omni Housing Development LLC, Duncan Barrett Agent: Randy Collins, CSArch; Michael Ingersoll, LA Group SEQRA: Action is an “Unlisted” action requiring a SEQR determination of significance. There are 2 “involved” agencies (Planning Board, DRC). The DRC must determine whether it wishes to have a coordinated SEQRA review and, if so, decide whether it wishes to assume Lead Agency status for the SEQRA review of defer to the Planning Board. BACKGROUND: Applicant appeared before the DRC on January 16, 2013 for sketch discussion of the project. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 5 of 8 The site is at highly visible corner, across from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, in one of the City’s western gateways into the urban core. The site is also the prominent, corner property of the north entry into the West Ave Transect-5 mixed-use Neighborhood Center District. This building will set the threshold for future buildings and redevelopment to the south. This site is also the prominent corner property of the north entry into the West Avenue Transect-5 mixed use Neighborhood Center District. Mr. Ingersoll provided the Board with an overview of the project. This is in a T-5 zone approximately 2.8 acres. This is a four story building, 90 senior apartments, 5,500 sq. ft. of commercial. There are 131 paved parking spaces. Buffering will be retained. Curb cut will be shared with the beverage center. Dual access. Cross lot easement connection. It will have a Church Street address. We will be increasing the buffer with a screened wall. Application sent to the Department of Transportation regarding a fountain to be set in this area. Main entrance will be off West Avenue. Parking will be provided underneath the building. This will serve the population 55 an older. Currently a bus stop exists and will remain. Utility connections are being verified. Storm water will be handled on site. Two curb cuts were proposed we are now requesting one curb cut. Mr. Collins reviewed architectural details. Included in this project is an outdoor porch, water wall, restaurant, below grade parking with elevators up to main level. Large front feature was requested by the Board and we now have a large clock as the front feature. Retail space on the ground floor. Residential porch on the main level. The building will be comprised of brick, stone and clapboard with hardy board siding. The entrance is covered. There will be a terrace and deck. In the back there will be a European courtyard, with courtyard gardens, and the garage entrance. There will be a green wall, and a gated rolling gate. The garage will be heated. Along Church Street, stoops will be provided and bay windows. These apartments will be 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to defer Lead Agency Status to the Planning Board for coordinated review, per their request, for the Omni Housing Development, 2 West Avenue. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 9. # 2012.084 84 WEIBEL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, 84 Weibel Avenue, Architectural Review of cell tower and ground facilities in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Daniel Schweigard, Independent Towers SEQRA: On April 11, 2011 the Zoning Board of Appeals, after coordinated review, issued a SEQRA negative declaration for this project. BACKGROUND: SBA Properties Inc., submitted original application and received ZBA Use Variance on May 23, 2011 to permit the construction of a telecommunications facility; consisting of one cell tower (monopine) at a maximum height of 402 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) with an additional maximum 8 feet in height for optimal camouflaging. The lease on the property subsequently expired. Independent Towers Holdings LLC, gained the lease and on November 19, 2012 received a Use Variance Extension. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 6 of 8 Planning Board issued Site Plan Review approval on March 13, 2013. Mr. Schweigard provided the Board with a sample of the proposed bark on the tower. Fencing has been revised to either brown or black in color. Landscaping will remain the same. Review of roofing on the building. Tower is to have bark texture covering and high density branches will extend down to 45 above grade. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Communication from the Shaara Tfille Community which was received by the Board on April 26 2013, voicing the same concerns the Board listed including additional branches on the tower, color of fencing and landscaping mitigation. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Independent Tower Holdings/Congregation Tfille Telecommunications Tower & Equipment, 84 Weibel Avenue be approved with the following conditions: antennas and associated metal parts to be painted brown to reduce visibility; pole to include addition of texturized bark as shown on submitted materials; tree limb configuration to have “high density” arrangement and extend from top of structure down to 45’ from grade as shown on submitted materials; accessory structures to have gabled roofs, horizontal siding and grey-brown “weathered wood” asphalt shingles, to be surrounded by 8’ high dark brown fence. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 10. #2013.036 SARATOGA PRIME PROPERTIES LLC (SARATOGA COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH BLDG.), South Broadway, Architectural Review of professional offices, medical offices and health clinic within the Transect-5 District. SEQRA: This is a Type II action requiring no additional SEQRA review. BACKGROUND: This site is the former Topper auto dealership. The applicant is repurposing this building to house professional and medical offices and health clinic. Applicant received special use permit approved from the Planning Board on March 13, 2013 and April 10, 2013 modification. Project will also require site plan review from the Planning Board. Applicant: Saratoga Prime Properties Agent: Daniel Rigosu, Syvertsen Rigosu; Matt Tyler, Syvertsen Rigosu; LA Group; Bonacio Construction Mr. Rigosu gave a visual presentation to the Board of the project. New brick trim brownstone along the base of the front and sides of the building. Upper façade to be continued along the front of the building to hide mechanicals. New custom built sunshades, door canopies and curtain storefront windows. Frames and metal trim medium bronze. EIFS surface texture on the side and rear façade treatment. New gutters and downspouts. Addition of new exterior wall pack mercury lighting along the sides and the rear of the building. Discussion ensued regarding the use of EIFS. EIFS is currently on the masonry portion of the building. The Board does not recommend the use of EIFS since it is extremely difficult to repair in kind. The only time EIFS is used successfully is over masonry. There is a problem with the longevity of this product when it is not used over the proper sub straight. Discussion also ensued regarding signage and it was determined the applicant will return before the Board for signage. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 7 of 8 Richard Martin made a motion in the matter of Saratoga Prime Properties, LLC Saratoga County Mental Health Building, 135 South Broadway be approved with the following conditions: increase the upper most parapet wall cap flashing to approx. 8”-10” showing a 2-step horizontal shadow line. That the thin brick veneer be furred out with a head or cap flashing to produce a reveal more consistent with a standard 4” brick. On the West elevation, include a 16”-20” stone drip border to be maintained at the building base. The Commission finds that the use of EIFS in this manner is not contrary to the City’s architectural review objectives and Zoning Ordinance for the followings reasons uniquely particular to this application: - the existing building is a masonry building currently sheathed using EIFS - the existing building is being converted from an essentially unheated warehouse application to professional offices and requires additional insulation - no expansion of this building is proposed - no EIFS will be used on the main elevation facing South Broadway Robert West seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, opposed; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Robert West, in favor; Robert DeMarco, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, opposed; Georgeanna Lussier, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0-2 ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The next scheduled Caravan will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The next scheduled Design Review Commission meeting is Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of meeting minutes was deferred to the May 15, 2013 meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: May 15, 2013 City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission Minutes – Wednesday, May 1, 2013 – page 8 of 8